Missed foetal cyst in NT Scan, Hyderabad diagnostic centre slapped Rs 2.2 lakh compensation

Hyderabad: The Rangareddy District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission has ordered a diagnostic centre in Hyderabad to pay Rs 2.2 lakh for issuing an incorrect medical report. The bench observed that the error could have had severe consequences for both the mother and the foetus.

The commission directed the diagnostic centre to refund Rs 1,700 collected for the scan, pay Rs 2 lakh as compensation for medical negligence, and Rs 20,000 towards litigation costs.

As reported by The Siasat Daily, the complainant visited her gynaecologist on March 15, 2024, for a routine antenatal check-up. The treating doctor suspected a possible cyst in the foetal neck and advised a Nuchal Translucency (NT) scan for further assessment.

The patient underwent the NT scan the next day at the Diagnostic Centre in Dilsukhnagar. The report described the findings as normal, recording an NT value of 1.8 mm and failing to note any cyst or abnormality.

Concerned about the report’s accuracy, she opted for a repeat scan at another diagnostic centre in Kothapet two days later. This scan detected an 11 mm cyst on the left side of the foetus’s neck, which is a significant abnormality that was missed earlier.

Doctors informed her that reliance on the initial report could have posed serious risks to both maternal and foetal health. Following medical advice, the patient underwent a medical termination of pregnancy on March 22, 2024.

The Siasat Daily further reported that she later approached the consumer commission in July 2024, alleging diagnostic negligence, mental trauma and financial loss. While the diagnostic centre argued that the cyst was not visible during the NT scan. 

The commission, after examining medical records and evidence, held that the failure to detect the abnormality amounted to medical negligence and deficiency in service. It also directed the diagnostic centre to pay compensation and issue refunds accordingly.